Molly Sims Hated Her Skin, So She Created a Beauty Brand
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If you follow Molly Sims on Instagram, then you know that the busy mom of three children, two dogs, and a bearded dragon has a knack for poking fun at and exposing the realities of parenting. Now she’s ready to be just as forthright about her skin. “I hate when someone I look up to claims that all she does to look that way is sleep a lot and drink water,” Sims says. “I want to be transparent.” Here's what she told Oprah Daily.
How have you struggled with your skin?
I had bad cystic acne from my mid-20s through my 30s. After I turned 40 and had my babies, I began to have a difficult time with uneven skin tone and dark splotchy patches. I treated them with lasers, peels, and prescriptions—I was like an addict with how often I quit and then got back on hydroquinone [a prescription skin-lightening cream]. The treatments would help for a bit, but the moment I’d go into the sun or just live life, [the splotches] would come back with a vengeance.... I wouldn’t go out with a bare face. Then, a few years ago, my husband asked me why my face was a little dirty. It wasn’t dirt. It was my uneven skin. That’s when I thought, Eff it, I’m going to take things into my own hands, and spent the past three years creating YSE Beauty, my nine-product skincare collection.
As you learned more about ingredients and skincare, what was your biggest aha moment?
More doesn’t mean better. Price doesn’t mean better. To treat my skin, I spent the most amount of money I’ve spent on anything besides saving up for my Birkin, and I still struggled. But when I pared down, stopped using so many harsh ingredients, and stayed consistent with the skincare routine, my skin improved. It’s better than it was 10 years ago.
How is your skincare line different than what else is out there?
First, I thought, Why do the millennials get all the fun products? Only 5 percent of brands are targeted to Gen X, and yet we make up 22 percent of the market.
My current a.m. and p.m. routine starts with my gel oil cleanser. Then sometimes I follow that with my exfoliating pads. Then I go straight to the Morning Cocktail and Xtremely Rich moisturizer. I like to mix the moisturizer with my foundation. It feels so velvety.
How do you feel about aging?
I’m not trying to look like I’m 20. I’m trying to look the best that I can at my age. I ask myself, How do I lean into living wisely? That’s why I wanted to call my brand YSE [pronounced “wise”]. But, also, the one piece of advice I share with women is that we have to moisturize because if you’re dry, you look older.
Which wellness moves do you prioritize?
Right now, it’s a golden retriever named Magic. And a bearded dragon named Taco; my kids talked me into him. They think he’s a support animal. He’s not that needy, but Magic...
Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser
Morning Cocktail Vitamin C Serum
Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads
Xtremely Rich Moisturizer
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